Edmonton Resident Claims $15 Million LOTTO MAX Prize After Months of Unawareness
In a remarkable turn of events that reads like a classic lottery dream, Tae Seong Lee of Edmonton has become Alberta's newest multi-millionaire after winning the coveted $15 million LOTTO MAX jackpot. The winning ticket was purchased back in October 2025, but Lee remained completely unaware of his life-changing fortune until January 2026 when he finally decided to check his ticket.
A Delayed Discovery and Overwhelming Shock
Tae Seong Lee admitted that when he initially bought the ticket for the October 2025 draw, he recognized the astronomical odds stacked against him. Like millions of Canadians who participate in lottery games, he understood that winning was a distant possibility at best. Consequently, the ticket sat unchecked for months, with Lee going about his daily life completely oblivious to the fortune in his possession.
"I've always dreamed of this day," Lee confessed in an official press release issued on a recent Friday. "But when I first found out, I couldn't quite believe it and had to scan again!" The moment of discovery was reportedly filled with disbelief and required multiple verifications before the reality of the $15 million win truly sank in for the stunned Edmonton resident.
The Winning Ticket and Immediate Celebrations
The fateful LOTTO MAX ticket was purchased at the Petro Canada location situated near 30 Avenue and Calgary Trail in Edmonton. This unassuming convenience store has now become the origin point of one of the province's most significant lottery wins in recent memory.
Upon confirming his win, Lee's first instinct was to share the incredible news with his immediate family. He told his wife and daughter, who immediately joined him in celebration, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the entire household. The shared joy created an unforgettable family moment that Lee will cherish alongside his substantial financial gain.
Plans for the Life-Changing Windfall
With the initial shock subsiding, Lee and his family began contemplating how to best utilize their sudden wealth. The Edmonton winner revealed that his first priority is practical and heartfelt: paying off the family mortgage. This foundational financial move will provide long-term security and peace of mind.
Beyond this immediate goal, Lee mentioned the possibility of purchasing a new vehicle, but his aspirations extend far beyond material possessions. "I've also always wanted to travel more and do more community and charity work," he explained. "This will allow me to do all of that." This statement reveals a winner who views his fortune not just as personal gain but as an opportunity to broaden his experiences and contribute positively to society.
One particularly poignant plan involves reconnecting with family. Lee expressed eagerness to visit his mother, who lives overseas, after being unable to make the trip for several years. The lottery win has removed the financial barriers that previously kept them apart.
The Surreal Reality of a Long-Held Dream
Despite the tangible evidence of his win, Lee admitted that the experience still feels somewhat surreal. After years of purchasing lottery tickets alongside coworkers who shared the same dream of hitting the jackpot, the actual occurrence has been difficult to fully process.
"My coworkers all have a dream to win, and they buy tickets like I do," Lee reflected. "So, it's truly amazing to win like this." His words capture the universal lottery participant's experience—the routine purchase of tickets coupled with the faint hope of a life-altering outcome, now remarkably realized in his own life.
Lee's story serves as a compelling reminder that major lottery wins can and do happen to ordinary Canadians, sometimes with a significant delay between the draw date and the winner's awareness. His plans reflect a balanced approach to sudden wealth, prioritizing family security, personal dreams, and community contribution in equal measure.
